WR Devin Aromashodu is eager to return to Chicago and play his former team. He admits he’s circled the date on the calendar. He has the Vikings’ longest TD reception (34 yards) and its longest reception overall (60).

LB Larry Dean doesn’t get much attention, but he’s probably the best story on the team. The undrafted rookie was last year’s NCAA Division II Defensive Player of the Year at Valdosta State. He’s undersized to say the least, but leads the teams in special teams tackles with seven.

FS Husain Abdullah (pelvis) was limited in practice. He had the same injury last week, but still played.

CB Antoine Winfield (neck) missed practice again. He hasn’t been on the field since the loss in Kansas City two weeks ago. The team is hopeful that he’ll be able to practice either Thursday or Friday.

NT Fred Evans doesn’t start, but gets as much playing time as starter Remi Ayodele. Evans had his second tackle for loss in Sunday’s win over the Cardinals.

DE Jared Allen (eye) got poked in the eye in Sunday’s game. He had full participation in practice and wouldn’t dare miss a chance to sack Jay Cutler a few times.

LB Kenny Onatolu (hamstring) was limited in practice. He’s a special teams player who backs up weak-side linebacker Erin Henderson.

WR Percy Harvin (ribs) was limited in practice. Harvin plays hard and is a tremendously aggressive blocker, so he often suffers rib injuries. He usually plays through it though.

DL Christian Ballard hasn’t made a head-turning play yet during the regular season. But the fourth-round draft pick definitely has shown versatility along the defensive front. He can play the nose, the under tackle and left end positions. He had a tackle and a QB pressure against the Cardinals.

LB E.J. Henderson (knee) was limited in practice. His left knee keeps him on the injury report, but he always shows up on game day.

KR Lorenzo Booker definitely gets overshadowed by fellow KR Percy Harvin. But Booker isn’t bad either. His 27.6-yard average is fifth in the NFC and eighth in the NFL.